This Hack Is the Best Way to Store Potatoes

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Keep them fresh all holiday season.

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Potatoes are an integral part of many recipes and meals, especially during the holiday season. Whether you make creamy mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, potato and cheese pierogies, or sweet potato casserole, they play an important role in any holiday feast. That’s why it can be a complete buzz-kill to reach for those trusty spuds for one of those glorious recipes, only to find that it’s gone bad.

Potatoes prefer to be stored together with no other produce (especially onions). They don’t like moisture or dampness — so the refrigerator is a no-no, too. So what’s the best way to store potatoes to maintain their fresh taste and help prevent them from sprouting? They like a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard. If stored on the counter, they need to be shielded from the sunlight. And they also need to be able to breathe. The vessel they’re in matters too, as potatoes require air to circulate around them, which is what makes the open design of a basket the best choice. Keep these baskets in your pantry, your basement, a cellar, or any other dark, cool place. There’s many options available, which is why we took the time to do the legwork to find some of the best picks on the market, starting at just $15. Buy those bulk potatoes in peace this holiday season.

Amazon

This two-piece wire basket set offers plenty of space to store a batch of potatoes in one basket, and other vegetables or fruit in the other. Or you can put some Yukon gold potatoes in one and sweet potatoes in the other. The baskets can be stacked on top of each other or placed separately. Each basket has a bamboo lid so you can stack other items on top of it. The baskets have a wide opening in the front for easy grabbing too. There are two handles on the top for easy carrying whenever you need to shuffle things around. This set is “clever” and “great for on-the-counter storage,” says one reviewer. Over 1,000 sets have already flown off Amazon’s virtual shelves in the past month.

Amazon

This two-tier bamboo storage stand has caught the attention of over 2,000 shoppers. And it’s easy to see why, as this stunning holder is equally as chic as it is useful since it has enough space to store all types of potatoes. The two slotted wooden baskets will provide the necessary airflow, and each of them is large enough to fit about a dozen potatoes. The baskets are attached together on an angle giving ample room to reach in and grab what you need. Whether you put this in the pantry, in a cupboard, or a dark spot on the counter, this stand is up to the task of keeping your potatoes fresh and secure — especially while it's 27% off.

Amazon

This two-tier wire basket set can be stacked together or used separately. It’s made from durable carbon steel that’s powder-coated in black for a simple, versatile design. Each basket is a different size, so you can use one to hold smaller wax potatoes and the other for larger baking potatoes. The small basket measures 10 x 8 x 6.9 inches, while the large one measures 10 x 14.4 x 7.5 inches. They each have handles so you can easily transport them, too. “Works like a charm,” says one shopper who uses them to store their potatoes and onions.

Amazon

If you need more room to store potatoes and other fruits and vegetables, this 4-tier stand checks off the box. And another perk? It has wheels so you can move it around to wherever you want. This stand measures 9 x 14.6 x 34.4 inches and is made of rustproof metal that has a black powder-coated finish. Each of the four wire baskets has a wide mesh design to provide breathability and ventilation. The stand has a modern look with its slightly curved brackets in between the baskets. And there’s another bonus: You can use the stand with all the baskets, or take off one or two to use in the pantry or on the counter. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble. “[The] baskets are large enough to hold up to a 20-pound bag of potatoes,” writes one reviewer. “It’s a must for any kitchen,” they added.

Amazon

Sometimes all you need is one basket to hold your potatoes. That’s where this wire storage basket steps in to handle the job. Measuring 13 x 12 x 8 inches, this basket won’t take up much room but will still provide ample storage. This rectangular basket has a scoop design in the front for convenient access, and the shape makes it easy to tuck away out of the sun in the corner of a pantry. It’s made of durable steel that has been powder-coated with an industrial gray finish. The narrow mesh grid design ensures that no matter the size of the potato that’s stored in it, it won’t fall through. At just $15, you might be tempted to grab a few of these and get your pantry organized, too.

Amazon

This metal wire basket sports a contemporary look that’s in the shape of a bowl. It boasts an 11-inch round shape that’s made of sturdy curved iron and a wide solid base coated in a black powdered finish. It’s 6 inches tall, making it the ideal size to hold a few potatoes while maintaining their freshness. Shoppers say that it has a “very clean and simple design” on their counter.” It’s almost too stylish to tuck away out of sight, but if you leave it out on the kitchen counter as other shoppers do, keep it in a darker corner away from the sun to protect those starchy goodies. Right now, it’s on sale for 31% off.